Template:copyeditbot Expectations for potty training or instilling in your child the habit of urinating and defecating in the right place (toilet) can be demoralizing – both for you and your child! The main thing you need to consider is whether your child is ready to potty train – if they are, then the process will be easier and faster. Read the following article to discover how to potty train your child – with advice on everything from how to know your child is ready, implementing an effective potty training schedule, praising your child's success and giving appropriate rewards. Ready, steady, and off to the toilet!
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Part 1 of 5: Preparing for a potty training
Step 1. Know when your child is ready
It is very important that your child is ready to learn how to use the toilet according to his developmental stage, so this will make the process easier and faster. The time a child prepares for potty training varies from child to child, and can be done from 18 to 36 months of age. In general, girls tend to potty training earlier than boys – girls' average age is 29 months, while boys' age is 31 months.
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You can tell if your child is ready to potty training by looking for these signs:
- Shows interest in the bathroom and how others use it.
- Have good motor skills – including the ability to walk to the bathroom, climb, and pull pants down.
- Good language skills – being able to understand toilet-related instructions and words as well as the ability to communicate that they need to go to the toilet.
- Predictable digestive movements and ability to keep diapers dry for more than two hours.
- Understanding – through words or facial expressions – when they need to urinate or defecate.
- The desire to please parents and act like an older child.
- You should never encourage your child to do potty training if your child is not ready – they will just reject you and the potty training process will be frustrating and time consuming. Give your child 1 or 2 months and you will discover how easy it is to do potty training.
- This is one way that is believed to be effective for doing potty training, is to do other activities before the physical process begins, with games and activities to prepare them for the general idea.
Step 2. Know that the potty training process will take time
One thing you need to successfully potty train your child is patience! Potty training is a process, it can't happen overnight. You and your child will work together and have a few accidents and backtrack. While you may hear some parents potty training their child in as little as one week, it's still perfectly normal to potty train within 6 months.
- Try to be consistent and encourage your child as much as possible and face every accident calmly. Remember that no child leaves high school still in diapers – they “will” get to that stage!
- You should also be aware that although your child can go to the toilet on their own for an entire day, it is very common for children to wet the bed at night until they are 5 years old. They should be able to keep their pants dry by age 6, but until then, be prepared to use disposable diapers and plastic sheets at night.
Step 3. Get the right equipment
The potty or potty training is the easiest option and doesn't intimidate a child who has just started potty training. You can get some cute potty pots, some in the shape of your child's favorite cartoon character. This is a good choice because you want your child to be comfortable with the potty and excited to use it. You should also consider getting a potty with a removable seat so you can place it on the toilet once your child is ready.
- If you choose to use the toilet from the start, be sure to provide your child with a small ladder so their feet can stay firm and secure when they sit down. This will make them more stable and help reduce the fear of falling.
- Consider placing the potty in the playroom or living room to get started. This will help your child feel comfortable with the potty and less pressured by the expectations of using the potty. They may also be more interested in using it if it is easier to reach.
Step 4. Choose the right time
Choosing the right time to potty train can make a big difference to your chances of success. Avoid trying to potty training if your child is going through a period of change – such as the arrival of a new sibling, moving to a new home or entering a new parenting place – as this can be stressful for the child and potty training will only add to their stress.
- Choose a time when you can spend extended periods of time with your child at home – so they will feel comfortable and safe in their environment and always have you around to support them.
- Most parents choose to potty train their child in the summer – not only because they tend to have more free time to spend with their child, but also because their child will wear fewer layers of clothing, which will allow them to do it more. easy.
Step 5. Set a schedule
Setting a schedule can help make potty training time a habit, which will help your child adjust to their new responsibilities and help them remember that they have to do it themselves. To start with, try taking it two or three times a day when you are going to put your child on the potty and let them sit there for a few minutes. If they use it, that's great, but if not don't worry. You just need your child to use it until they feel it.
- To encourage your child to go to the toilet, try to take times when they enjoy going to the bathroom, such as in the morning, after meals, and before bed. You can also give your child extra fluids when they eat, as this will help their digestive system work more smoothly.
- Make time to go to the toilet a part of your child's bedtime routine – they put on their nightgown, wash their face, brush their teeth, and go to the toilet. They will remember to do it themselves.
Part 2 of 5: Make Your Child Feel Comfortable with the Potty
Step 1. Introduce your child to the potty
Let your child get comfortable with the potty, so they know that the potty is not an intimidating or scary object. Place the potty in the play area, where they can sit with their clothes on, read a book or play with toys. Once they grow or like the potty, you can move them to the bathroom.
Use some games, stories, activities, and apps to introduce them to the concept of going to the toilet
Step 2. Show your child how to use it
Your child will then need to know what a potty really does. To explain, try taking your child's soiled diaper and its contents into the potty. Tell them that the potty is the place where "stool" and "urine" are dumped. Alternatively, you can put the contents of the diaper down the toilet and let them say goodbye while you rinse.
- You can also show how the toilet is used by bringing the child into the bathroom with you when you want to go to the bathroom. Sit them on the potty while you sit on the toilet and show them how it works. Unexpectedly, this will encourage them to use the potty like a “grown boy” or a “grown girl”.
- If possible, boys are better off going to the bathroom with dad, as a precaution! However, you should forget to teach boys to pee standing up, as this can confuse them (not to mention if it's messy). For now, let them sit on the potty for the first time as well as the next!
Step 3. Let your child sit on the potty for at least 15 minutes every day
Let your child get used to the potty by letting him sit for 5 minutes, 3 times each day. Encourage them to do it, but don't worry if they don't. Praise them for their efforts and let them know that they can try again next time.
- If they can't wait to take it off, try giving them a book or a toy to play with so the potty isn't perceived as a punishment.
- Never force your child to sit on the potty if they don't want to – you will only cause resistance and make potty training unpleasant.
Step 4. Use toilet-related words correctly
Try not to confuse your child by using vague words to describe the act of using the toilet or the name of a specific body part. Use easy, correct and child-friendly words like “pee”, “poop” and “potty” when you talk to your child.
- Never use the words "dirty" or "disgusting" to describe natural bodily processes, as these can cause your child to feel embarrassed about their actions, which will negatively affect the potty training process.
- If your child feels anxious or embarrassed about using the potty, they may start to resist urinating or defecating – which can lead to health problems such as constipation and bladder infections. For this reason, it is very important that the child is comfortable with using the potty.
- Being open with your child will give them confidence and let them know that they should feel proud of themselves because they have used the potty properly.
Step 5. Stay with your child when they use the potty
Children will feel very anxious about using the potty for a variety of reasons – if they use the toilet, they may be afraid of falling or afraid of the sound of the flushing machine. Other children may see their digestive process as a part of themselves, so they feel that they are missing something by using the potty. For this reason, it is very important that you stay with your child at all times when they use the potty, at least the first time.
Smile at your child, give compliments, and use a calm, soothing voice at all times. You can also try singing a song again or playing with your child while they sit on the potty, so that they will see potty time as a fun activity, rather than something scary
Step 6. Read a picture book with a potty theme
Most parents find that books with potty training materials can be very helpful tools in teaching their children how and why they should use the potty. The books are fun and engaging, with pictures that children can relate to.
- Get your child involved in the reading process by asking your child a few questions to find a particular object in the picture. Then after you've finished reading, ask your child if they'd like to try using their potty, like the boy or girl in the book.
- Several potty-related books, notable ones include "Once Upon A Potty" by Alona Frankel, "Everyone Poops" by Taro Gomi, and "I Want My Potty" by Tony Ross.
Part 3 of 5: Creating Good Habits
Step 1. Teach your child the signs indicating the “need to go to the toilet”
If you can learn to read the signs that your child needs to use the bathroom, then you can take them to the bathroom as quickly as possible and encourage them to use the potty instead of diapers.
- Common signs that a child needs to use the bathroom include: a change or temporary break from activities; squat; gripping their diapers; grunt; face started to turn red.
- You can help your child recognize these signs by asking them, “Do you need to use the potty?” or “Do you want to have a bowel movement?” as soon as you notice the sign. Encourage your child to tell you whenever they want to go to the toilet.
- Be aware that some children will be reluctant to stop doing what they are doing, especially if they are playing and having fun, just to use the potty. You will need to encourage them and give them lots of praise to make it worthwhile for them.
Step 2. Allow your child to nap- 1 to 2 hours daily
Most parents suggest the technique of removing their children's diapers and letting them run around the house naked a few hours a day. They will enjoy the feeling they are feeling, while also learning to recognize their body's "need to go to the toilet" sign, without the insecurity of wearing a diaper.
- Be aware that you will be in an accident if you decide to use this method – but an accident may just be a child's need to realize the importance of using the potty!
- Don't act out of line or get upset when your child has an accident – clean it up calmly and reassure your child that they can do it on the potty next time. If you scold them, they will become anxious about using the potty and start holding back their urine or bowel movements.
- Most parents don't like using disposable diapers because they are absorbent so the child can't tell you if the diaper is wet or not. Without feeling uncomfortable, they will not be able to learn the signs that the body is showing and make them go to the bathroom. If the child is naked, or wearing panties, they won't mistake him for going to the toilet!
Step 3. Make using the potty a routine in the morning or evening
Using the potty should be a regular daily activity for your child, and the best way to make this happen is to make potty time a part of their daily routine.
Sit them on the potty after they brush their teeth every morning, or before they take their afternoon shower. Do this every day and every night, without forgetting, and your child will do it himself
Step 4. Show your child how to properly clean and flush the toilet
Instruct your child on how to clean themselves with toilet paper before they leave the potty. Make this easier for them by always leaving a roll of toilet paper (perhaps a cute embellishment!) next to the potty. This is especially important for women, who should clean from cover to cover to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- They may still need help cleaning at some point, especially after a second chance, but it's good to get your child used to trying.
- Once they've done that, let your child flush the toilet and say goodbye or cheer that it's all been wasted. Congratulate your child for a job well done!
Step 5. Remind your child to wash their hands after they use the potty
Children usually can't wait to get back to playing games after they're done using the potty, but you should make sure to stress the importance of your child washing their hands before leaving the bathroom.
- To encourage them to wash their hands, give them a small ladder so they can easily reach the sink and buy some anti-bacterial soap for the kids in bright colors so they will enjoy it.
- Teach your child to sing a song when they wash their hands, so they are not tempted to wash their hands quickly. Teach them to sing the alphabet when they start washing their hands and tell them they can only stop when they get the letter Z!
Part 4 of 5: Dealing with Success and Failure
Step 1. Praise your child for the act of trying
The most important thing you can do for your child during potty training is to provide genuine encouragement, regardless of whether they are successful on the potty or not. Praise them for every little success – from telling you when they need to go to the toilet, taking off their pants, sitting on the toilet for a few minutes. Even if they don't, tell your child to try and remind them that they can try again.
Just be careful not to push your child too much. Give compliments in a calm voice and don't get too excited. Being overbearing is a form of stress and can cause your child to feel anxious to please you
Step 2. Reward small successes
Many children perceive either incentives or rewards for using the potty. What gift you give depends on your parenting style and what your child likes. The following ideas can be considered.
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Food:
Some parents use candy as a reward for successful potty use. For example, you can give them three M&M chocolates or pretty shaped jelly every time they go to the potty. Other parents are wary of giving food as a gift, as they believe it can affect their child's future eating habits.
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Star Graph:
Another common motivation used by parents is to create a star chart, in which the child will be awarded an additional gold star for each successful use of the potty. Gold stars are sometimes quite motivating, while other parents offer additional rewards if the child reaches a certain number of stars at the end of the week – such as going to the park or telling an extra bedtime story.
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Toy:
Another option is to buy a small set of toys (not a large one – maybe just a collection of toy cars or plastic animals) and let your child choose one toy each time they use the potty.
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Piggy bank:
Some parents offer money-related incentives for their child to use the potty! Put a piggy bank in the bathroom and give plastic coins every time your child uses the potty. Once the piggy bank is full, your child can exchange it for some treats, such as ice cream or driving a toy car in a shopping center.
Step 3. Share the good news
One good way to encourage your child to be proud of using the potty is to let them tell a friend or family member about it. Make arrangements with them so they can tell mom or dad how well they're doing potty training when they get home into the evening. Or give your child a chance to call Joe's grandmother or uncle and tell them the good news.
- Getting a positive and encouraging reaction from someone compared to you (the potty trainer) will give your child an impression of what it's like to be a "grown boy or girl."
- Another trick parents use is to tell a friend or family member to describe their favorite cartoon hero or character over the phone. This can be Dora the Explorer, Spiderman, or Barney the Dinosaur – whoever your child likes. Telling their heroes about their successful potty training and getting compliments back will make them feel proud!
Step 4. Don't scold your child when they have an accident
Scolding and giving punishment is something that should not be done when they do potty training. Remember that your child is just developing the ability to recognize and control their urine and bowel movements, and they are still learning to rely on the potty. They don't intentionally make mistakes just to upset you or give you extra work.
- As explained earlier, scolding a child for an accident or falling while using the potty can cause the child to have anxiety about the event. This anxiety can cause them to start holding back their urine or bowel movements, which can lead to more serious harm and lead to health and psychological problems.
- If your child has an accident, reassure them that it is not a problem and that they will use the potty next time. Let them know that you are proud of their efforts and that you trust that they will use the potty like a grown boy or girl.
Step 5. Have patience
Potty training can be a stressful time for parents, but remember that this is only temporary and your child will gradually “get” the understanding that they have to use the potty. Don't start panicking about your child's developmental issues if they aren't doing well. When your child is ready, they will.
- If your child doesn't seem to understand that they have to rely on the potty, the best thing to do is to give them a month or two of potty training and try again.
- Remember, some children don't fully use the potty until they are 3 years old – and that's normal!
Part 5 of 5: Take potty training to the next step
Step 1. Let your child pick up some “grown boy” or “grown girl” panties
Once your child is doing and using the potty consistently, you can take them to buy some “boys panties” or “girls panties” together. They will feel proud and wear it, it will make you smile! Let them use them at home, even if you want to continue wearing diapers or training pants at night or when you're away, because accidents "will" happen.
- Cloth underwear will help your child with potty training, as they are able to tell you when their pants are wet – something that diapers don't easily absorb.
- They'll also love their new underwear and they won't get them wet, so they'll be smarter about keeping them dry!
Step 2. Take a potty with you when you travel
Being dependent on using the potty or toilet at home is strange, new bathrooms can be intimidating to children and they refuse to use them. You can work around this and prevent re-use of the diaper if you try to take it off, by taking the potty with you when you go on vacation. Potties with removable seats are the best option, as you can place them on the seat, on all toilets to create a comfortable area for your child!
Step 3. Teach your boy to pee standing up
Once your boys have relied on sitting up to urinate, it's time for them to master standing urination. Fathers can help, by showing boys how to do it. Be aware that your son's goals are usually not up to par and you can expect some interesting attempts to get them to use the toilet bowl.
One good method some parents use to practice their boys on how to pee in the toilet bowl is to put some Cheerios or Fruit Loops in the toilet bowl and tell them to hit them straight away. This turns out to be a fun and exciting game for the naughty side of the boys
Step 4. Let babysitters and teachers know
Your efforts to do potty training will be in vain if your child is not encouraged to use the potty by a babysitter. Take the time to talk to anyone who takes care of your child frequently – whether grandparents or a childcare worker – and explain clearly how important it is for them to pay attention to their child's habit of urinating or defecating in the toilet.
- Tell them about your child's schedule, including the words you use for potty-related activities, and ask them to do the same. This will prevent your child from getting confused and your potty training habits will be disturbed.
- Always send a change of clothes, some washcloths, and a few diapers or underpants when your child is out of the house. This will make things easier for the caregiver and help your child feel less embarrassed about the accident.
Step 5. When your child is ready, start doing potty training at night
When their diaper is dry or dry enough for nearly a day, your child may be ready to potty train for naps and nights. If so, prepare some pads (you'll want at least 3 so you can replace them easily) and place them on top of the bottom sheet on your child's bed. Look for a type that has a soft layer on top and a plastic layer on the bottom. When everything is done, place the potty next to the bed when your child goes to bed or during a nap.
Step 6. Leave your child's bedroom door open and encourage them to call you if they get up to go to the toilet
If they do, put them on the potty and praise them for doing well.
If they wet the bed, change the pillow and don't make any calculations for it. Deal with it calmly and reassure your child that this is not a problem. Remember that your child will start to stop wetting the bed when they are 6 years old
Tips
- When you have time, check how you deal with potty training situations because this is the first big thing you learn in life – what should you change? Or not changed? Do you need more patience? Spend a lot of time practicing? Speak more? Read more books? Bring graphics and movies? Not being rude to yourself or your baby? Use it on your next adventure: Reading…ABC.. and so on!
- Make it fun. Sitting on the potty is a fun time for baby to look at books, play with small magnetic toys or use crayons and stickers on paper. Remember to stay in the room with your baby and use age-appropriate toys.
- Praise the functionality of the pants, so your child will love wearing them – they can wear them with a diaper so they sometimes feel “grown up”. Find cute pants with patterns or pictures that your child would like to wear.
- Don't take potty training as a personal matter. While some mothers will compare… all good moms and dads know that every child, parent, and family is different from everything else in the world!
- If your child is in care for a full day and the foster care has a toilet training method, you should follow their way at home.
- Remember to check that their pants are dry. Trying to get them “stay dry” will have a positive effect and will keep them from slipping.
Warning
- Don't compare their ability to go to the toilet with other children. It's never nice to say, "Jenna is a kid and she's been wearing panties like a bigger girl, but you're wearing diapers like a baby."
- After they take the diaper off, don't use it again.
- If your child has had frequent bathroom accidents and is at the age of 4 or older, it is highly recommended that you take your child to the doctor as soon as possible and do not ignore them. It can be a warning of a physical or psychological problem.
- Don't talk about “boys and baby boys” or “girls and baby girls”; this can actually have a negative effect on their level of self-confidence.
